This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
The second significant preseason injury occurred over the weekend as Green Bay wide receiver Jordy Nelson suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee. Nelson's injury was diagnosed by way of a special diagnostic test at the stadium and later confirmed with an MRI. Nelson becomes the second Pro Bowl receiver to suffer the injury in the last week, joining Carolina's Kelvin Benjamin.
The ACL is one of four stabilizing ligaments in the knee. These ligaments, along with the menisci, stabilize the knee joint and prevent excessive movement of the joint. The ACL is particularly important during pivoting and turning but can be easily torn if the stress of these motions is excessive. In Nelson's case, the injury occurred without contact as he attempted to twist and cut up field following a reception. Several factors, including muscle strength and anatomical variation, can contribute to an ACL tear, which remains a far too common problem in professional sports.
Nelson's season is over before it even starts, but there are a few slivers of good news. To start, Nelson's injury was isolated to the ACL and did not include the medial collateral ligament (MCL) or medial meniscus. As a result, the long-term ramifications are minimized and his recovery becomes a bit easier to manage. Furthermore, the timing of the injury will allow Nelson to undergo the surgery and rehab in time to be back for next year without rushing the process. In fact, it wouldn't be shocking to
The second significant preseason injury occurred over the weekend as Green Bay wide receiver Jordy Nelson suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee. Nelson's injury was diagnosed by way of a special diagnostic test at the stadium and later confirmed with an MRI. Nelson becomes the second Pro Bowl receiver to suffer the injury in the last week, joining Carolina's Kelvin Benjamin.
The ACL is one of four stabilizing ligaments in the knee. These ligaments, along with the menisci, stabilize the knee joint and prevent excessive movement of the joint. The ACL is particularly important during pivoting and turning but can be easily torn if the stress of these motions is excessive. In Nelson's case, the injury occurred without contact as he attempted to twist and cut up field following a reception. Several factors, including muscle strength and anatomical variation, can contribute to an ACL tear, which remains a far too common problem in professional sports.
Nelson's season is over before it even starts, but there are a few slivers of good news. To start, Nelson's injury was isolated to the ACL and did not include the medial collateral ligament (MCL) or medial meniscus. As a result, the long-term ramifications are minimized and his recovery becomes a bit easier to manage. Furthermore, the timing of the injury will allow Nelson to undergo the surgery and rehab in time to be back for next year without rushing the process. In fact, it wouldn't be shocking to see him actively participate in next year's training camp. This scenario holds true for Benjamin as well, and he too should be ready to go in 2016.
In the meantime, Davante Adams becomes a must add in all formats as Nelson's absence creates the perfect opportunity for him to become a major component of the Green Bay aerial assault. Carolina's situation is bit harder to read with Benjamin's injury creating a major hole in the offense. Devin Funchess seems like the candidate most likely to improve his productivity, though Cam Newton's stock does take a hit.
Roddy White
The veteran receiver was scheduled to undergo surgery Monday to remove loose particles in his right elbow. The procedure, called a debridement, is straightforward as the surgeon arthroscopically removes the troublesome tissue to directly address the problem and reduce the associated symptoms. Rehab focuses on minimizing infection of the small wound and maintaining range of motion and strength. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, White should be back in action in a matter of weeks. The Falcons insist he will be ready for Week 1.
However, I would remain leery of White's other injury concerns. Last season, White battled ankle and hamstring problems and had his left knee drained during the offseason. He has already admitted he likely will need to have the joint drained again during the season, suggesting a significant underlying problem in his knee. He remains a solid WR3, though I would rather take a flier on a younger wideout with more upside, like Miami's Jarvis Landry or Philadelphia's Nelson Agholor.
Turf Burns
Melvin Gordon: The rookie running back has seen limited action in preseason after suffering a minor ankle injury. However, he is expected to return for San Diego's third exhibition game. This is a situation that shouldn't cause fantasy owners to panic. The injury appears to be minimal, and the team said keeping Gordon healthy is a top priority. As a result, it's not surprising to see the Chargers treat him a bit conservatively, and his fantasy stock remains intact.
Robert Griffin III: The Washington quarterback was hit multiple times during the team's preseason game against the Lions before being removed wiht a concussion. Griffin is progressing through the league-mandated concussion program but has yet to be cleared to return. RGIII is looking to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2014 but will have trouble doing so if his offensive line continues to struggle. I was hesitant on Griffin entering training camp and nothing I've seen thus far shows me he's more than a risky option.
T.J. Yeldon: The Jaguars running back will participate in Friday's preseason matchup against the Lions. Yeldon suffered a pinkie sprain early in camp and has worn a non-contact jersey since. However, it appears Jacksonville is taking the same conservative approach San Diego is utilizing with Gordon to protect its rookie running back. Yeldon's injury could affect his ability to handle the ball, but a strong showing in preseason action should ease those fears.
Chris Johnson: The 29-year-old running back is already battling an injury less than a week after signing a contract with the Cardinals. Johnson suffered a hamstring strain prior to Saturday's preseason contest and was initially ruled out for one to two weeks. However, he has since been upgraded to day-to-day. Still, this type of injury is precisely why I hate investing in late free-agent signings or players embattled in contract disputes. Without a complete training camp under the watchful eye of a trained medical staff, these players seem to be more vulnerable to strains of the lower extremity as they attempt to catch up to speed. The injury keeps Andre Ellington's starting job safe despite concerns about his hamstring, as well.
Percy Harvin: The Bills receiver returned to practice in a limited capacity after receiving a platelet-rich plasma injection for his nagging hip injury. He hasn't donned pads but has made enough progress in his recovery that the team is confident he will play Week 1. Harvin's dealt with multiple injuries throughout his career, however, including a torn labrum in his hip. The fact that he's already limited isn't encouraging for his 2015 value, and the uncertainty around the Bills' quarterback situation only makes things worse. He's worth a look near the end of drafts but don't get caught reaching on potential.
